by Ernest Hernandez
Quezon City took home the top seed in the Northern Division Playoffs of the Metro League Reinforced Conference with a 99-90 win against Valenzuela in the final game of the eliminations at the Valenzuela City Astrodome on Tuesday night.
In the game that decided who will enter the next round number one in the North, the Junior Capitals rallied in the final three quarters to stun the Workhorse on the road.
Kojack Melegrito of QC guarding Joco Tayongtong of Valenzuela. (Metro League photo)
Ibrahim Outtara made 22 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals for QC, which will have a twice-to-beat advantage against Manila in the North semis.
Joco Tayongtong erupted for 27 points, five rebounds, and three assists for Valenzuela, which slipped to the third seed—and a twice-to-win disadvantage—due to Caloocan holding the tiebreaker by virtue of a 77-76 win on April 23.
Scores:
Quezon City 99-Outtara 22, Mabayo 17, Melegrito 15, Comia 10, Espanola 9, Estoce 7, Delos Reyes 6, Asuncion 5, Mahari 3, Vasallo 3, Udjan 2, Macaballug 0, Riva 0
Valenzuela 90-Tayongtong 27, Monteclaro 12, Esplana 11, Ruaya 9, Diego 8, Sta. Maria 4, Pascua 0, Gamboa 0, Kalaw 0, Dulalia 0
Quarterscores: 19-30, 48-50, 75-71, 99-90
Kojack Melegrito of QC guarding Joco Tayongtong of Valenzuela. (Metro League photo)
Ibrahim Outtara made 22 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals for QC, which will have a twice-to-beat advantage against Manila in the North semis.
Joco Tayongtong erupted for 27 points, five rebounds, and three assists for Valenzuela, which slipped to the third seed—and a twice-to-win disadvantage—due to Caloocan holding the tiebreaker by virtue of a 77-76 win on April 23.
Scores:
Quezon City 99-Outtara 22, Mabayo 17, Melegrito 15, Comia 10, Espanola 9, Estoce 7, Delos Reyes 6, Asuncion 5, Mahari 3, Vasallo 3, Udjan 2, Macaballug 0, Riva 0
Valenzuela 90-Tayongtong 27, Monteclaro 12, Esplana 11, Ruaya 9, Diego 8, Sta. Maria 4, Pascua 0, Gamboa 0, Kalaw 0, Dulalia 0
Quarterscores: 19-30, 48-50, 75-71, 99-90